Mugwort

Background

• Mugwort is native to Europe and parts of Asia and Africa. It now grows in many parts of the world, including North America.
• Mugwort was used in traditional Chinese, Hindu, and European medicine for gastrointestinal and gynecological problems. During the Middle Ages, mugwort was known as the “mother of herbs.”
• Today, mugwort is promoted for oral use for a variety of conditions such as anxiety, menstrual cramps, high blood pressure, and insomnia. It is promoted for topical use in combination with other ingredients for hypertrophic scars (raised scars that may occur as a complication of burn injuries and that may restrict movement).

How Much Do We Know?

• Very little research has been done on mugwort in people. There is not enough evidence to determine whether mugwort is safe or useful for any health condition; therefore, more studies are needed before definitive conclusions can be reached.

What Have We Learned?

• One preliminary study showed that a topical lotion containing mugwort and menthol relieved itching associated with hypertrophic scars. Because the product contained more than one ingredient, it is not clear whether mugwort was responsible for the effect.
• There’s not enough evidence to say whether mugwort is helpful for any other conditions.

What Do We Know About Safety?

• There’s not enough evidence to know whether it’s safe to take mugwort orally or to use it topically.
• Mugwort should not be used during pregnancy. Little is known about whether it’s safe to use mugwort while breastfeeding.

Keep in Mind

• Take charge of your health—talk with your health care providers about any complementary health approaches you use. Together, you can make shared, well-informed decisions.
• If you take any type of medicine, talk with your health care provider before using any herbal product; some herbs and medicines interact in harmful ways.
• Federal Regulation of Herbal Products
  • Depending on what’s in them, how they’re intended to be used, and how they’re administered (orally or topically), herbal products are regulated in a variety of ways. Many herbal products intended for oral use are marketed as dietary supplements. The regulatory paths for making and distributing dietary supplements are different than those for drugs.
  • Unlike drugs, dietary supplements are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before they are sold to the public. When public health concerns arise about the safety of a dietary supplement or an ingredient including an herb, the FDA can take action to protect the public. Manufacturers and distributors of supplements are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure that they meet all regulatory requirements. 

For More Information

• Using Dietary Supplements Wisely
• Know the Science: How Medications and Supplements Can Interact
• Know the Science: How To Make Sense of a Scientific Journal Article

Key References